Electrical engineering technicians help engineers to design electrical equipment and devices, including computers and communications equipment. As of 2011, their average wage was $57,240 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Most electrical engineering technicians prepare for the career with an associate's degree in electrical engineering technology. The coursework includes studies of theoretical and practical skills in science, math and computers.

Prerequisites

A high school diploma or high school equivalency is usually necessary for admission to associate degree programs in electrical engineering technology. High school classes in science, computers and mathematics will prepare you for technician training. Recommended courses include algebra, trigonometry and physics.

Program Variety

The requirements of electrical engineering technology programs vary with the type of institution. Vocational or technical schools offer programs with a practical orientation. These programs are often designed to help local graduates fill jobs in local businesses. Community college programs are broader, including more liberal arts requirements and a more theoretical orientation. Some electrical engineering technology programs allow students to choose a specialty, such as electric power generation. Programs are also available in four-year colleges, universities and the armed forces.

Accreditation

Some programs have accreditation from ABET, or the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. An electrical engineering technician with an accredited degree has better job chances with some employers and increased opportunities of advancement, according to ABET. ABET's minimum requirements for accreditation include classes in basic science, trigonometry and college algebra. You can find accredited engineering technology programs using the search tool on the ABET website.

Typical Studies

Associate degree programs in electrical engineering technology usually take two years. Typical classes include circuits, electronics, computer-aided drafting or design, electric equipment, statics and electric motors. Other possible course offerings include digital logic, physics, C++ computer programming and microprocessors. Hands-on classes such as circuit wiring supplement the purely theoretical courses. Some programs include internships, giving students both practical experience and credits toward the associate degree.

Required Skills

Electrical engineering technicians need creativity, problem-solving ability, reasoning skills and a logical mind. They must be able to put information in order and follow a sequence of instructions. They need good oral communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team. Because engineering technicians often need to write reports, some associate degree programs require classes in technical writing.

Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects 2 percent growth in employment for electrical and electronic engineering technicians between 2010 and 2020. This compares to an average growth of 14 percent for all U.S. jobs over the same time period. Although demand will be high in computer engineering and systems design services, opportunities in manufacturing will remain flat or will decrease. The BLS predicts a total of 154,000 jobs nationwide in the field by 2020.

About the Author

Karen Farnen has been writing online since 2009. She has taught piano and English as a second language. Farnen has a Bachelor of Arts in French with a music minor from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Science in education and a Master of Arts in French from California State University-Fullerton.

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